October 16 is World Food Day, a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-round action to alleviate hunger.

As we remember the over one billion men, women and children who do not get enough to eat each day, we would like to share this reflection from author Julia Alvarez. Alvarez generously agreed to be the honorary chair of this year's Addison County CROP Hunger Walk, in Middlebury, Vermont. In her remarks that day, she concluded with the following story--a story that could change the world, if we would but listen and respond. Said Alvarez:

I want to finish by telling you the story I tell myself from time to time, a story that reminds me of how generosity of spirit can transform the kind of world we live in.

Some followers go to their rabbi.

"Rabbi," they ask, "what is heaven like?"

"In heaven," answers the rabbi, "they sit at a table with all sorts of delicacies and good things. The only problem is their arms do not bend."

"And what is hell like?"

"In hell they sit at a table with all sorts of delicacies and good things. The only problem is their arms do not bend."

"Then, Rabbi, what is the difference between heaven and hell?"

"Ah, my children," said the rabbi, "in Heaven they feed each other."

This story reminds me of why we are walking today. Participating in creating a different kind of world, a world where we feed each other... We save ourselves by saving each one another. We are walking because they walk.

CWS works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world.

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